The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Richard Lee Simmon (AFSN: 18769254), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Engineer in Southeast Asia on 15 January 1973. On that date, Sergeant Simmon’s job knowledge, outstanding airmanship, and continuous professionalism, displayed under the constant threat of hostile fire and adverse weather conditions, immeasurably aided the 40th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron in the accomplishment of the rescue mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Simmon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Richard Lee Simmon (AFSN: 18769254), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Engineer on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter near Tchepone, Laos, on 20 August 1972. On that date, Sergeant Simmon voluntarily flew into hostile territory to accomplish the recovery of a downed American pilot. Despite ground fire being directed at his hovering helicopter, Sergeant Simmon stood unprotected in the crew door to operate the rescue hoist and recover the survivor. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Simmon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.